Missouri 2012 Softball World Series Capsule

Missouri Tigers
Big 12 (43-12, 17-7)

 
After three consecutive trips to the Women’s College World Series, many expected Missouri to take a step back this season due to the departure of a strong class of seniors. But Coach Ehren Earleywine proved in 2012 that this is a program that does not need to rebuild…they simply reload.

Big Wins: 2/25 vs Washington (2-0), 2/26 vs UCLA (7-5), 4/21 vs Oklahoma (4-2)
Bad Losses: 2/18 vs Eastern Kentucky (5-6), 2/26 vs Northwestern (1-7), 5/2 vs Murray State (2-3)
Coach: Ehren Earleywine (6 seasons at Missouri)

Why They Can Surprise:
When the going gets tough, the Tigers call on the versatile power hitter Ashley Fleming and shutdown hurler Chelsea Thomas. Fleming, who spends time at first base and in the outfield, is one of the best all-around hitters in the Big 12. She is a big time power hitter, but rarely strikes out. Thomas burst onto the national scene as a freshman back in 2009. Last season she took her game to the next level and posted an impressive 0.95 ERA with 397 strikeouts. Thomas has not put up quite the same numbers in 2012, but she is still dominating the competition and will continue to throw a complete game shutout about one out of every three outings.

Why They Can Disappoint:
Fleming and Thomas can win some games on their own, but they cannot get to Oklahoma City on their own. In the circle, Thomas will get help from Kristin Nottelmann and Bailey Erwin. Nottellmann is an experienced senior and will usually start when Thomas needs a break. Nottelmann is not as dominate as Thomas, but not many players are. She is a more than capable second starter most of the time. Erwin, a freshman, has had some very impressive outings and could be a big factor during the long tournament. At the plate, Fleming can get some help from Nicole Hudson, Kelsea Roth and Jenna Marston. Hudson and Roth are solid power hitters who can drive in some runs. Marston is a patient hitter who can work the count and get on base one way or another. Missouri has the weapons to make it four trips in a row to the WCWS, but the bats will have to find a way to create opportunities against some of the best pitchers in college softball.

Key Field Players:
Ashley Fleming, Senior, IF, .372 BA, 15 HR, 48 RBI
Nicole Hudson, Junior, 3B/OF, .306 BA, 7 HR, 36 RBI
Mackenzie Sykes, Sophomore, UTL, .293 BA, 15 RBI
Jenna Marston, Junior, SS, .290 BA, 15 RBI
Kelsea Roth, Freshman, 1B, .284 BA, 6 HR, 37 RBI
Ashtin Stephens, Freshman, IF, .257 BA, 9 RBI
Angela Randazzo, Freshman, C, .265 BA, 12 RBI

Key Pitchers:
Chelsea Thomas, Junior, Pitcher, 1.07 ERA, 23-7 W/L, 21 CG, 189.0 IP, 262 SO
Kristin Nottelmann, Senior, Pitcher, 2.40 ERA, 12-5 W/L, 13 CG, 105.0 IP, 94 SO

By the Numbers:
Batting Average:  .273 (113th in nation, 6th in conference)
Earned Run Average: 1.59 (11, 2)
Fielding Percentage: .974 (18, 2)
Scoring Offense: 5.54 (24, 3)
Home Runs per Game: 0.88 (41, 5)
Doubles per Game: 1.27 (55, 2)
Triples per Game: 0.12 (153, 3)
Stolen Bases per Game: 1.44 (41, 3)
Slugging Percentage: .435 (62, 5)
Double Plays per Game: 0.33 (71, 2)

 
Recent Postseason Appearances:

*all team stats through 5/6

 
See All Softball Postseason Capsules